Comparative analysis of phenolic compounds in four taxa of Erigeron acris s. l. (Asteraceae)

Neuroprotective potential of Erigeron bonariensis ethanolic extract against ovariectomized/D-galactose-induced memory impairments in female rats in relation to its metabolite fingerprint as revealed using UPLC/MS

Erigeron bonariensis is widely distributed throughout the world's tropics and subtropics. In folk medicine, E. bonariensis has historically been used to treat head and brain diseases. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most widespread form of dementia initiated via disturbances in brain function. Herein, the neuroprotective effect of the chemically characterized E. bonariensis ethanolic extract is reported for the first time in an AD animal model. Chemical profiling was conducted using UPLC-ESI-MS analysis. Female rats underwent ovariectomy (OVX) followed by 42 days of D-galactose (D-Gal) administration (150 mg/kg/day, i.p) to induce AD. The OVX/D-Gal-subjected rats received either donepezil (5 mg/kg/day) or E. bonariensis at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, given 1 h prior to D-Gal. UPLC-ESI-MS analysis identified 42 chemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and nitrogenous constituents. Several metabolites, such as isoschaftoside, casticin, velutin, pantothenic acid, xanthurenic acid, C18-sphingosine, linoleamide, and erucamide, were reported herein for the first time in Erigeron genus. Treatment with E. bonariensis extract mitigated the cognitive decline in the Morris Water Maze test and the histopathological alterations in cortical and hippocampal tissues of OVX/D-Gal-subjected rats. Moreover, E. bonariensis extract mitigated OVX/D-Gal-induced Aβ aggregation, Tau hyperphosphorylation, AChE activity, neuroinflammation (NF-κBp65, TNF-α, IL-1β), and apoptosis (Cytc, BAX). Additionally, E. bonariensis extract ameliorated AD by increasing α7-nAChRs expression, down-regulating GSK-3β and FOXO3a expression, and modulating Jak2/STAT3/NF-ĸB p65 and PI3K/AKT signaling cascades. These findings demonstrate the neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects of E. bonariensis extract in the OVX/D-Gal rat model, highlighting its potential as a promising candidate for AD management.

Polyphenols Content, Antioxidant Properties and Allergenic Potency of Organic and Conventional Blue Honeysuckle Berries

Blue honeysuckle berries are a rich source of polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of organic and conventional cultivation on the polyphenols, antioxidant and allergenic potency of blue honeysuckle berry cultivars: ‘No 30’, ‘Jolanta’ and ‘Indygo’ in two growing seasons. Identification of individual polyphenols was performed using the HPLC method; the total polyphenols content and antioxidant activity were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The determination of allergic potency was tested by ELISA. In the second year of the study the total polyphenols were significantly higher in organic blue honeysuckle than in the conventional blue honeysuckle. In both growing seasons, the ‘Indygo’ cv. was characterized by the highest concentration of all bioactive compounds 3241.9 mg and 3787.2 mg per 100 g⁻¹ D.W. A strong correlation was found between the polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity for organic fruit in both years, as well as for allergenic potency. Contrary to the best bioactive properties was ‘Indigo’ cv., with the highest allergenic potency (108.9 and 139.2 ng g⁻¹ D.W.). The lowest content of specific allergens was found in the ‘No 30’ cv. Since honeysuckle is still a new cultivated plant, information about its allergenic potency is insufficient.

Turanecio hypochionaeus: In Silico Studies, and Determination of Its Polyphenol Contents, Bioactivities, and Anti-Microbial Potential

The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the phenolic composition of Turanecio hypochionaeus Bosse and determine the anti-urease, anti-lipase, antidiabetic, anti-melanogenesis, antibacterial, and anti-Alzheimer properties. IC50 results for all enzymes were obtained between 0.234-116.50 µg/mL and and this plant inhibited HMG_CoA R and glucosidase enzymes more with IC50 values of 0.234 and 116.50 µg/mL, respectively. Among the 11 secondary metabolites identified in T. hypochionaeus extract, chlorogenic acid 255.459±1.17 µg g-ˡ), benzoic acid (56.251±1.98 µg g-ˡ), and catechin (29.029±0.27 µg g-ˡ ) were determined as the most abundant phenolic compounds. According to the results of the tested microorganisms, the plant extracts showed antimicrobial and antifungal properties in a dose-dependent manner. In molecular docking study, the interactions of active compounds extracting extracted from Turanecio hypochionaeus plant and showing activity against diverse metabolic enzymes were examined. The most active compound 1, (chlorogenic acid) has -12.80, -12.80, -12.60 and -12.00 kcal/mol binding energy value against HMG_CoA R, and α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase, respectively.

Phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of the selected edible flowers grown in Poland

The purpose of this study was to determine phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of the selected edible flowers grown in Poland. A significant variation was observed in the both antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. Marigold flowers were characterized by the highest total phenolic content (89.22 mg GEA/g dry weight). In turn, begonia flowers exhibited the highest total flavonoids and phenolic acids content (21.96 mg QE/g dry weight, and 8.60 mg CAE/g dry weight, respectively). Taking into account the type of flowers, begonia and marigold flowers were the richest in phenolic acids. Caffeic and p-coumaric acids were the most frequent ones in the edible flowers grown in Poland. While gallic and p-coumaric acids were the prevalent ones in terms of their content. The begonia and marigold flowers contained quercetin and kaempferol, while hesperetin and naringenin were present in the chives flowers. The marigold flowers were characterized by a particularly high content of quercetin, and also exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity. The methanolic extracts of marigold and begonia flowers were characterized by the highest antioxidant activity, reducing activity, as well as the highest ability to neutralize free radicals.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity, Antimicrobial Activity, and Cytotoxicity of Chaptalia nutans Leaves

Objective

This work was to evaluate the chemical constitution of the hydromethanolic (30/70 methanol-water) macerating extract obtained from the leaves of C. nutans, as well as to study the antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and genotoxic activity of the species. Materials and methods. Phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity (total phenolic, total flavonoid, condensed tannins content, DPPH radical, and FRAP), antibacterial activity (P. aeruginosa, B. cereus, E. epidermidis, E. coli, S. aureus, E. faecalis, P. mirabilis, Candida glabrata (clinical isolate), Candida tropicalis (clinical isolate), C. krusei (clinical isolate), and C. albicans (clinical isolate)), and oxidative stress parameters (TBARS, carbonyl protein, and DCFH) were analyzed according to the literature. Toxicity of C. nutans was evaluated using an alternative method, D. melanogaster, as well as a locomotor assay.

Results

The phytochemical screening test of methanolic leaves extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, quaternary bases, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and free steroids. A quantitative phytochemical study indicated the total phenol (30.17 ± 1.44 mg/g), flavonoid (21.64 ± 0.66 mg/g), and condensed tannins (9.58 ± 0.99 mg/g). DPPH (345.41 ± 5.35 μg/mL) and FRAP (379.98 ± 39.25 μM FeSO4/mg sample) show to extract of C. nutans leaves an intermediate value, indicating moderate antioxidant activity of the extract. Antibacterial results revealed only a positive result (antimicrobial activity) for the hexane fraction which significantly inhibited the microorganisms E. epidermidis, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, and C. krusei at a concentration of 1000 μg/mL. TBARS, carbonyl protein, and DCFH demonstrate that the extract has the ability to protect the cell from protein and lipid damage, as well as the inhibition of oxygen-derived radicals at the three concentrations tested: 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/mL. Regarding the toxicity of C. nutans extract against D. melanogaster, it was found that until the concentration of 15 mg/mL, the extract showed no toxicity and that the LC₅₀ obtained was 24 mg/mL. Results show that the C. nutans extract leaves used to prevent PQ damage were effective in reducing flies' mortality and improving locomotor capacity.

Conclusion

Our studies demonstrated for the first time that C. nutans crude leaf extract has high antioxidant capacity both in vitro and in vivo through different analysis techniques. These results make it possible to infer future applications in the pharmacological area, evidenced by the low toxicity observed in D. melanogatser, as well as the ability to neutralize different sources of RONS.

The Effect of Enriching Honey with Propolis on the Antioxidant Activity, Sensory Characteristics, and Quality Parameters

Bee products, including propolis, are a valuable source of biologically active substances. The most natural way to introduce propolis in the diet seems to be its addition to honey. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of honey enrichment with propolis on the content of selected bioactive compounds, antioxidant potential, as well as sensory and qualitative characteristics of honey. On the basis of the obtained results, it was stated that the addition of propolis extract to honey contributed to a significant increase in the content of polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, among which chrysin, pinocembrin, p-coumaric, and ferulic acid reached the highest level. The increase of antioxidant, antiradical, and reduction in activity of enriched honey was observed as a result of increasing addition of propolis extract. However, the enrichment of honey with propolis contributed to deterioration of the sensory properties. The changes in color, smell, texture, and taste were observed. The addition of propolis to honey had no significant effect on 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and sugar content, and specific conductivity. On the other hand, a significant increase in free acidity and content of substances insoluble in water was observed. The obtained results indicate that honey supplemented with propolis extract can be an excellent source of antioxidant compounds, nevertheless, the amount of additive used is strongly dependent on changes in sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability.